340B Good Stewardship
About 340B
Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act requires pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in Medicaid to sell outpatient drugs at discounted prices to health care organizations that care for many uninsured and low-income patients. For more than 25 years, the 340B Drug Pricing Program has provided financial help to hospitals serving vulnerable communities to manage rising prescription drug costs. To demonstrate good stewardship of this program, BMH has pledged to publish annually how we are utilizing these savings to benefit our community.
Addressing our Community Health Needs
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) every three years and invests a significant amount of resources to addressing these needs. Annually, BMH realizes approximately five million dollars in 340B savings, which is invested in these community efforts.
Dental Health
BMH employs two full time dentists to staff the Windham County Dental Center. BMH has provided space for the Dental Center since its’s opening in 2019.
Mental Health
BMH has added additional staff and programs to address the mental health needs of our community. These positions include:
- an Emergency Department Care Manager
- a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the Emergency Department
- a Psychologist within the Medical group.
With these additional supports, BMH is able to provide enhanced screening for mental health and substance misuse. Additionally, BMH continues to provide funding support for the Community Health Team and invest in staff competency related to mental health.
Substance Misuse
BMH is an active member of the Consortium on Substance Use (COSU), as well as the administrative entity for the Hub and Spoke program – a model for prescribing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) through the Community Health Team. BMH provides financial support for self-managed tobacco cessation programs.
Obesity
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital partners with RiseVT, and provides funding for this work. Additionally, the Community Health Team provides wellness services with Registered Dieticians and a Health Coach, and has partnered with the Vermont Foodbank to provide Veggie Van Go services monthly.
Navigating/Accessing the Healthcare System
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital recognized that vulnerable populations often have difficulty accessing and navigating the healthcare system. To address this issue, BMH has created and continues to support several positions, including; A Vulnerable Populations Care Coordinator, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Director of Patient Experience, and Community resource Liaison, and Care Coordinators in the Medical Group Offices. BMH provides a Centralized Scheduling Department for accessing Primary Care, and funds a shelter bed held for patients needing respite.
Maintaining Essential Maternal Care Services
Pregnant women living in rural communities are increasingly experiencing barriers to receiving maternity care. With increasing closures of obstetric services, women are often forced to travel longer distances to access prenatal care and labor and delivery services. Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is committed to maintaining access to these services, and provides significant financial support to Four Seasons OBGYN & Midwifery, with offices in Brattleboro and Springfield, and a full-service Birthing Center that includes a C-Section suite and newborn nursery.
